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Questions and Answers
What is the primary belief of an antinomian?
How do generalists approach moral laws?
In situation ethics, how are actions judged?
What does unqualified absolutism assert regarding moral laws?
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What is an essential aspect of situationism in ethics?
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In the context of antinomian beliefs, how is lying perceived?
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What dilemma does conflicting absolutism recognize?
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Which statement best describes the generalists' view on lying?
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What does the term 'ethics' primarily study?
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Which of the following best describes 'relativism' in ethics?
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What is one characteristic of 'absolutism' in ethical thought?
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Which of the following represents a type of ethical system?
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What does the term 'norm' in ethics refer to?
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What does the concept of 'graded absolutism' suggest?
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Which characteristic defines 'meta-ethics'?
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How is 'antinomianism' typically understood in ethical discussions?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Ethics
- Ethics involves guidelines for right living, shaped from early childhood lessons.
- Defined as the principle of right or good behavior, including the study of morals and individual choices.
- The term "ethic" is rooted in the Greek word ethos, meaning habit or custom.
- Ethics spans all cultures and religions, reflecting universal customs and practices.
- Daily moral evaluations often revolve around the simple question: "Was that right or wrong?"
Origins of Ethics
- Ethics entails philosophical and theological discussions about morality.
- Morality focuses on right behavior involving virtuous character, honorable intentions, and right actions.
- Value refers to moral qualities, such as loyalty, truthfulness, and justice, that guide behavior.
Key Ethical Definitions
- Norm: Guidelines that shape character and actions.
- Principles: Stable moral guidelines that inform rules.
- Rules: Specific directives for conduct derived from principles.
Types of Ethics
- Normative Ethics: Establishes standards for right conduct.
- Meta-Ethics: Examines the nature of moral judgments.
- Applied Ethics: Addresses real-world ethical issues.
- Virtue Ethics: Centers on character and virtues instead of rules or consequences.
Two Broad Positions of Ethics
- Relativism: Asserts there is no single standard for right or wrong; individual opinions are valid.
- Absolutism: Claims a singular objective truth, often linked to divine authority; morals are predetermined and unbreakable.
Relativism vs. Absolutism
- Relativistic Views: Includes Antinomianism, Generalism, and Situationism.
- Absolutic Views: Includes Unqualified Absolutism, Conflicting Absolutism, and Graded Absolutism.
Antinomianism
- Antinomians resist societal laws, either living outside society or minimally adhering to norms.
- They deny the existence of objective moral laws and are individualistic in belief.
- Emphasizes the idea that lying can hold no absolute moral status.
Generalism
- Generalism promotes tolerance, suggesting moral rules are optional and contingent on circumstances.
- It posits that lying can be permissible under certain conditions, like saving a life.
- While rules may be valid, they argue against any universal moral laws.
Situationism
- Situational ethics assesses actions contextually rather than through fixed moral standards.
- This approach recognizes that right and wrong can vary based on the specific circumstances.
- Lying may be permissible if the situation demands it, challenging absolute truth claims.
Unqualified Absolutism
- All moral laws are absolute and conflict-free, rooted in the nature of God.
- Lying is always wrong, with no exceptions allowed, as it undermines moral integrity.
- Conflicts arise from misunderstanding the circumstances rather than genuine moral dilemmas.
Conflicting Absolutism
- This perspective acknowledges the reality of moral laws being absolute yet recognizes potential conflicts.
- It highlights the importance of making moral decisions when faced with conflicting absolutes.
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Description
Explore the fundamental concepts of ethics and its importance in guiding moral choices. This quiz will cover various ethical systems and the principles of right behavior. Delve into the definitions and applications that shape our understanding of ethics.
